NEW

PFL Brussels Staff Picks: MMA Legend Returns From Retirement To Combat Welterweight Finisher

May 22, 20268 hours ago3 min read

The PFL makes its way back to Brussels, pitting hometown representative Patrick Habirora against UFC phenom Benson Henderson.

PFL Brussels aims to deliver one of the best European mixed martial arts cards of the year so far. In the main event, Belgian knockout king Patrick Habirora steps up to defend his home turf against former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson in a thrilling welterweight clash. In the penultimate match of the evening, more UFC veterans in Taylor Lapilus and Jake Hadley collide to decide who is the better bantamweight prospect.

PFL Brussels Main Event

After just two years of fighting as a professional, Habirora is viewed as a hot 170-lb up-and-comer, with seven of his eight wins ending inside the distance by strikes. In his second headlining scrap with the PFL, “The Belgian Bomber” is preparing to take out his most accomplished adversary yet on his climb towards the top of the division.

Appearing to walk off in the sunset in 2023 following an unfortunate submission loss to Usman Nurmagomedov, Henderson had garnered an extensive list of accolades that elevated him to heights few 155-lb names will ever reach. Cutting his retirement short, the previous WEC and UFC kingpin moves up a weight class to demonstrate that he still has what it takes to fight at the highest level of the sport.

PFL Brussels Co-Main Event

Having lost just one bout over nearly the last decade, Lapilus has emerged as a bantamweight competitor to look out for. Winner of five straight, including triumphs over Cody Stamann, Vince Morales, and Kasum Kasumov, “Double Impact” can easily make a case that he belongs in the PFL’s 135-lb upper echelon with a solid performance this weekend.

Managing a rare Scottish twister in his freshman outing in the smart cage last year, Hadley looked to be a promising prospect in the PFL’s bantamweight. Sadly, a decisive defeat to Marcirley Alves quickly took the wind out of his sails. Back in the saddle for the first time in 2026, “White Kong” is out to prove that he has what it takes to contend in the organisation's stacked 135-lb class.

More Bouts On the PFL Brussels Main Card

Also on the main card, Boris Mbarga Atangana tangos with Jared Gooden. Then, Marcirley Alves locks horns with Naoki Inoue. Finally, Asaël Adjoudj and Keisuke Sasu throw down to kick off the main card action.

PFL Brussels Predictions and Staff Picks

MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).

UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
PFL picks from main cards for both pay-per-views and regular events.
ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.

Staff picks in 2025 were won by Hank Strandberg with a record of 216-119.

Find our PFL Brussels picks and fight odds below.

Staff records after UFC Vegas 117:

1. Hank Strandberg: 73-37
2. Frazer Krohn: 66-49
3. Drew Zuhosky: 55-58
4. Andrew Benjamin: 18-14

*Note – not all staff pick for every event*